Categorical exclusion for Silver Springs Mutual Water Company

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), as designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency, is the lead agency for proposed projects funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program for the State of Nevada. The DWSRF loan applicant, Silver Springs Mutual Water Company (SSMWC), has applied for funding for their West Tank to be recoated and fitted with upgrades to meet current Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

The SSMWC drinking water system was constructed in 1995. In April 2021, SSMWC contracted with Blue Locker Commercial Diving Services (BLCDS) to inspect SSMWC’s water storage tanks. The BLCDS inspection report for the West Tank indicates that, in its current condition, the tank has the potential to cause water quality issues and a possible loss of capacity to SSMWC’s system if left unaddressed. A brief evaluation of alternatives was conducted resulting in no feasible alternatives to the chosen project.

The Nevada Administrative Code (NAC), in Sections NAC 445A.6758 to 445A.67612, inclusive, outlines the environmental review procedures to be followed by the NDEP to be consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The upgrade and rehabilitation project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion under NAC 445A.67583. As specified in NAC 445A.67583 (2), the project qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion because as it is (a) The rehabilitation of an existing facility. A significant negative effect on the quality of the environment by this project is unlikely.

Consultation with appropriate cross-cutting agencies will be completed prior to signing a final commitment of financial assistance. No wetlands, floodplains, agricultural lands, or significant fish or wildlife species or habitats are affected by the project. No national landmarks or property with nationally significant historic, architectural, prehistoric, archeological, or cultural value will be affected by the project. The State Historic Preservation Office concurrence will be obtained prior to commencing the construction of the project. Native American entities that may have interest in the general project area will be given an opportunity to provide their comments and feedback. Best management practices will be utilized during construction.

Persons wishing to obtain further information regarding the project should submit their comments no later than June 28, 2023. Comments can be made via email, ndep-ofa@ndep.nv.gov or via mail:

Krista Wahnefried
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Office of Financial Assistance
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001, Carson City, NV 89701-5249

A link to NDEP’s public notices can be found at: https://ndep.nv.gov/posts.